How Does the JVN Work

While a patient is being seen in a primary care physician’s, endocrinologist’s, or ophthalmologist’s office, a JVN imager certified by Joslin Diabetes Center takes digital images of the patient’s retina using Joslin’s custom software and imaging hardware. The procedure is fast and pain free, and does not involve pupil dilation.

In addition to the patient’s digital retinal images, important medical and care history is gather to identify risk factors that influence eye disease onset and progression and care management, including blood pressure and A1C scores (the average blood glucose measurement during the two to three months before the date the A1C test was taken). Key education material may also be presented during the imaging process to help patients understand how general diabetes management affects vision.

The JVN images and medical and care information are sent to the JVN Reading and Evaluation Center at Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston where clinicians expert in diabetes eye care evaluate the cases. Evaluation and care summaries are returned to the ophthalmologist or primary care physician within two business days. The Joslin team also identifies ocular pathologies other than diabetic retinopathy if observed.